2023 JEEP WRANGLER ESC

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL117
the information in this chapter in the event of a failure
indication. All active telltales will display first if applicable.
The system check menu may appear different based upon
equipment options and current vehicle status. Some
telltales are optional and may not appear.
RED WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
fault with the air bag, and will turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position. This light will illuminate with a single chime
when a fault with the air bag has been detected, it will stay
on until the fault is cleared. If the light is not on during
startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various brake
functions, including brake fluid level and
parking brake application. If the brake light
turns on it may indicate that the parking brake
is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is
a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake,
and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity
in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering
maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions. The
vehicle should have service performed, and the brake
fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate
repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It
does not show the degree of brake application.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
battery is not charging properly. If it stays on
while the engine is running, there may be a
malfunction with the charging system. Contact
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical
system or a related component.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is
ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It
will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
3

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 117

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL119
Swing Gate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
swing gate is open.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.

Transmission Temperature Warning Light —
If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to warn of a
high transmission fluid temperature. This may
occur with strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until the light
turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to
drive normally.
Vehicle Security Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the Vehicle
Security system is arming, and then will flash
slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This warning light monitors the ABS. The light
will turn on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required as soon as possible.
However, the conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not
also on. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have the brake
system inspected by an authorized dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the
Electronic Stability Control system is Active.
The ESC Indicator Light in the instrument
cluster will come on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC is
activated. It should go out with the engine running. If the
ESC Indicator Light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this warning light remains on after several
ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several
miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
 The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indicator Light
come on momentarily each time the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.
 The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive.
 This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC
event.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated
you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact
with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire. If you continue to operate the vehicle when the
“CLUTCH HOT” message is displayed, or the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated,
you could cause the clutch to overheat and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe
transmission damage or transmission failure. If you
continue to operate the vehicle when the “CLUTCH
HOT” message is displayed, or the Transmission
Temperate Warning Light is illuminated, you could
cause the clutch to overheat and cause severe clutch
damage, transmission damage, or failure.
3

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 119

120GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the ESC is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on, even
if it was turned off previously.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the fuel
filler cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to
disengage the light. If the light does not turn
off, please see an authorized dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0
gal (7.5 L), this light will turn on and a chime will
sound. The light will remain on until fuel is
added.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
windshield washer fluid is low Úpage 314.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The MIL is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the ignition switch from
OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving styles. In most situations,
the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
AdBlue® (UREA) Injection System Failure
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate along with a
dedicated message on the display (if equipped)
if an unknown fluid not conforming with
acceptable characteristics is inserted, or if an
average consumption of AdBlue® (UREA) over 50% is
detected. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
If the problem is not solved, a specific message will appear
on the instrument cluster display whenever a certain
threshold is reached until it will no longer be possible to
start the engine.
When about 125 miles (200 km) are remaining before the
AdBlue® (UREA) tank is empty, a continuous dedicated
message will appear on the instrument panel,
accompanied by a chime.
Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault
with the 4WD system. If the light stays on or
comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that
service is required. We recommend you drive to the
nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
Service Adaptive Cruise Control Warning
Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when a ACC is not
operating and needs service Úpage 152.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as previously
referenced, can reach higher temperatures than in
normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such as
dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in
death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle control
system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 120

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL123
GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With No
Target Detected Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This light will turn on when the Adaptive Cruise
Control is set and there is no vehicle in front
detected
Úpage 152.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With
Target Indicator Light — If Equipped
This will display when the ACC is set and a
vehicle in front is detected Úpage 152.
4WD Auto Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the Four-Wheel Drive auto mode. The system
will provide power to all four wheels and shift the power between the front and rear axles as needed.
This will provide maximum traction in dry and slippery
conditions.
Cruise Control SET Indicator Light —
If Equipped With A Premium Instrument
Cluster
This indicator light will illuminate when the
Cruise Control is set to the desired speed
Úpage 151.
Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
front fog lights are on Úpage 50.
Parking/Headlights On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
parking lights or headlights are turned on.
Stop/Start Active Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
Stop/Start function is in “Autostop” mode.
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash
independently and the corresponding exterior
turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be activated when the multifunction lever is moved down
(left) or up (right).
NOTE:

A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
 Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indi -
cator flashes at a rapid rate.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Ready
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when the vehicle
equipped with ACC has been turned on, but not
set.
2WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
With a Premium Instrument Cluster
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the Two-Wheel Drive High mode.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light —
If Equipped

This indicator shows when the HDC feature is
turned on. The light will be on solid when HDC
is armed. HDC can only be armed when the
transfer case is in the 4WD Low position and
the vehicle speed is less then 30 mph (48 km/h). If these
conditions are not met while attempting to use the HDC
feature, the HDC indicator light will flash on/off.
CAUTION!
The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may
cause severe damage to the injection system and
irregular engine operation. If the indicator light is
illuminated, contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible to bleed the system. If the indicator comes on
immediately after refuelling, water, or AdBlue® UREA
has probably been poured into the tank: switch the
engine off immediately and contact an authorized
dealer.
3

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 123

136STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
DOWNSHIFTING
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving down
steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time
provides better acceleration when you desire to resume
speed. Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to avoid
overspeeding the engine and clutch.
NOTE:The manual transmission shift system is equipped with
gear blockers, which will prevent downshifts into FIRST or
SECOND gear above certain vehicle speeds.
Maximum Recommended Downshift Speeds
NOTE:Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are for 2H and 4H only, vehicle speeds in 4L would be significantly less.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip,
and the vehicle could skid.
CAUTION!
Skipping gears and downshifting into lower gears at
higher vehicle speeds can damage the engine and
clutch systems. Any attempt to shift into lower gear
with clutch pedal pressed may result damage to the
clutch system. Shifting into lower gear and releasing
the clutch may result in engine damage.
 When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift
one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the
engine which can cause engine damage, and/or
clutch damage, even if the clutch pedal is pressed. If
transfer case is in low range the vehicle speeds to
cause engine and clutch damage are significantly
lower.Failure to follow the maximum recommended down-
shifting speeds may cause the engine damage and/
or damage the clutch, even if the clutch pedal is
pressed.
 Descending a hill in low range with clutch pedal
pressed could result in clutch damage.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
Failure to follow the maximum recommended downshifting speeds may cause the engine to overspeed and/or damage the clutch disc, even if the clutch pedal is pressed.
Manual Transmission Downshift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
Gear Selection 6 to 55 to 44 to 33 to 22 to 1
Maximum Speed 80 (129)70 (113) 50 (81)30 (48)15 (24)

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 136

140STARTING AND OPERATING
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
NOTE:
In cases where the instrument cluster message indi -
cates the transmission may not re-engage after engine
shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired
location (preferably, at an authorized dealer).
 Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend
that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diag-
nostic equipment to assess the condition of your trans -
mission.
 If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to
normal operation.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control of
the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This feature can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear selector into
the MANUAL (M) position (beside the DRIVE position). The
current transmission gear will be displayed in the
instrument cluster. In AutoStick mode, you can use the
gear selector (in the MANUAL position) to manually shift
the transmission.
AutoStick mode has the following operational benefits:

The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
 The transmission will automatically downshift to FIRST
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
 You can start out, from a stop, in FIRST or SECOND gear
(or THIRD gear, in 4L range). Tapping (+) (at a stop) will
allow starting in SECOND gear. Starting out in SECOND
or THIRD gear can be helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
 If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
overspeed, that shift will not occur.
 The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed.
 Holding the gear selector in the (-) position will down -
shift the transmission to the lowest gear possible at the
current speed. 
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is enabled.
 The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
NOTE:When Hill Descent Control is enabled, AutoStick is not
active.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to
the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick
position at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position completely
can cause transfer case damage or loss of power and
vehicle control. You could have a collision. Do not drive
the vehicle unless the transfer case is fully engaged.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 140

STARTING AND OPERATING145
The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the instrument panel
(to the right of the steering column).

Axle Lock Switch Panel

This feature will only activate when the following
conditions are met:
Ignition in RUN position, vehicle in 4H.
 The vehicle must be in Off Road+ active
Úpage 146.
 Vehicle must be in ESC “Full Off” mode Úpage 246.
 Vehicle must not be actively in a high wheel slip or tight
cornering condition.
To activate the system, push the AXLE LOCK switch down
to lock the rear axle only (“REAR ONLY” will illuminate).
To unlock the rear axle, push the AXLE LOCK OFF button.
Axle Lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4H,
Off Road+ is turned off by the driver, ESC “Full Off” is
exited, or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
NOTE:The indicator lights will flash until the rear axle is fully
locked or unlocked. The rear Axle Lock system may temporarily disengage the
rear locker under some conditions.
If this occurs, the rear axle will automatically re-lock as
soon as the system allows.
ELECTRONIC SWAY BAR DISCONNECT —
I
F EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic
disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows
greater front suspension travel in off-road situations.
This system is controlled by the SWAY BAR switch located
on the instrument panel (to the right of the steering
column).

SWAY BAR Switch

Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the system. Push
the switch again to deactivate the system. The Sway Bar
Indicator Light (located in the instrument cluster) will
illuminate when the bar is disconnected. The Sway Bar
Indicator Light will flash during activation transition, or when activation conditions are not met. The stabilizer/
sway bar should remain in on-road mode during normal
driving conditions.
To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4H or
4L and push the SWAY BAR switch to obtain the off-road
position
Úpage 140. The Sway Bar Indicator Light will
flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fully
disconnected.
NOTE:The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked due to left
and right suspension height differences. This condition is
due to driving surface differences or vehicle loading. In
order for the stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/reconnect,
the right and left halves of the bar must be aligned. This
alignment may require that the vehicle be driven onto level
ground or rocked from side to side.
WARNING!
Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is reconnected before
driving on hard surfaced roads or at speeds above
18 mph (29 km/h); a disconnected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the loss of vehicle control, which
could result in serious injury. Under certain
circumstances, the front stabilizer/sway bar enhances
vehicle stability and assists with vehicle control. The
system monitors vehicle speed and will attempt to
reconnect the stabilizer/sway bar at speeds over
18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a flashing or solid Sway Bar Indicator Light. Once vehicle speed is
reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h), the system will once
again attempt to return to off-road mode.
4

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 145

146STARTING AND OPERATING
To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY BAR switch
again.
OFF ROAD+ — IF EQUIPPED

OFF ROAD+ Switch

When activated, Off Road+ is designed to improve the
user experience when using specific Off Road driving
modes. To activate Off Road+, push the OFF ROAD+ switch
in the switch bank. The vehicle’s performance will improve
depending on which Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) mode is
activated.
NOTE:Off Road+ will not function in 2H mode. If the button is
pushed while in 2H mode, the cluster display will show the
message “Off Road+ Unavailable Shift to 4WD”.
When Off Road+ is active, the following features will
activate:
The Off Road+ telltale will illuminate in the instrument
cluster display
 A mode-specific message will display the instrument
cluster display
 Off-Road Pages will launch on the radio head-unit if
selected in radio settings
 The Off-Road Camera will launch if selected in radio
settings
Once in Off Road+, the vehicle will begin to behave in
different ways depending on the 4WD mode in use. The
following enhancements will occur when using Off Road+.
4L
 Engine/Transmission Calibration: Rock Crawl and
controllability focus, change in shifting schedule when
rock crawling, pedal calibration shifted to de-gain and
low range, operates at lower vehicle speeds
 Traction Control: Aggressive brake lock differential
tuning at slower speed or FIRST gear
 Off Road+: Recall the last status between ignition
cycles
4H
 Engine/Transmission Calibration: Improved sand
performance/wheel slip focus, change in shift
schedule for sport mode, pedal calibration set to
aggressive, operates at elevated vehicle speeds 
Traction Control: High wheel speed, slip tuning brake
lock differential with no engine management
 Electronic Stability Control: ESC Off with unlimited
speed
 Off Road+: Will default to OFF between ignition cycles
Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will not
function while using Off Road+. A dedicated cluster
message will display indicating this if either feature is
activated while in Off Road+.
If the ESC OFF button is pushed while in Off Road+, the
following will occur on the vehicle:
 Push of the ESC OFF Button: Traction Control will turn
off, but Stability Control will remain active.
 Hold the ESC OFF Button for five seconds: Traction
Control and Stability Control will turn off.
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electro-Hydraulic Power
Steering system that provides increased vehicle response
and ease of maneuverability. The system adapts to
different driving conditions. If the Electro-Hydraulic Power
Steering system experiences a fault that prevents it from
providing power steering assist, then the system will
provide mechanical steering capability.
WARNING!

If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to on-road mode,
the Sway Bar Indicator Light will flash in the instrument
cluster and vehicle stability may be reduced. Do not
attempt to drive the vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h).
Driving faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) with a discon -
nected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the loss of
vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.

CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the electrically
driven pump to reduce or stop power steering
assistance in order to prevent damage to the system.
Normal operation will resume once the system is
allowed to cool.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 146